REGRETS

REGRETS

1. I wish - If - If only

   • If only I had tried harder
   • If she had driven carefully, she wouldn't have crashed the car
   • I wish she hadn't ignored me
   • I wish - if only + could have
     • I wish I could have won that scholarship
     • If only I could have learnt to play the guitar
   • If + conditionals = (Past perfect, simple or progressive)
     • If I hadn't spent all my money
       • I would / could / might / should/ not have asked for a bank loan (Desired past action)
     • If I had arrived on time
       • I would / could have seen my grandma (Desired but impossible present result)

2. Substituting for if

   • Inversion
     • Had I joined that amazing
   • But for + noun + gerund
     • But for the engine stopping working
     • But for the mirror breaking

3. Regret

   • I regret not going to that concert / I regret not having bought that laptop
   • I've liked to learn how to swim / I've liked to have spent more time with my family

4. it’s a pity, it’s a shame, that’s too bad.

   • it’s a pity, it’s a shame, that’s too bad you weren't here
   • it’s a pity, it’s a shame, that’s too bad you splitted up